How to Plan a Botswana Safari: Frequently Asked Questions

The distinct safari regions of Botswana are brimful of magnificent contrasts and offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. From the lush, life-giving waterways of the north to the hauntingly beautiful deserts and salt pans of the south, each area presents a different facet of Southern Africa’s pristine wilderness. At Zicasso, we specialize in crafting itineraries that seamlessly connect these diverse habitats for a comprehensive and immersive journey.

• Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique inland delta is a maze of lagoons, channels, and islands teeming with life. It’s renowned for its exceptional water-based safaris, prolific birdlife, and predators that have adapted to the aquatic environment.
• Chobe National Park: Famous for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants on the continent, Chobe offers spectacular game viewing by land and on the Chobe River. River cruises provide incredible opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of other animals that gather at the water's edge.
• Makgadikgadi Pans: One of the world's largest salt flats, this vast, otherworldly landscape offers a unique safari experience. During the dry season, it’s a stark, beautiful expanse; after the rains, it transforms into a crucial wetland that attracts thousands of zebras, wildebeest, and flamingos.
• Kalahari Desert: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a hauntingly beautiful desert ambiance. You can find unique desert-adapted species like the black-maned Kalahari lion, brown hyena, and meerkat, set against a backdrop of ancient fossilized riverbeds and rolling dunes.
• Linyanti and Savuti: These remote regions are known for their high concentration of predators, particularly lions and wild dogs, and large elephant herds. The Savuti Channel has a mysterious history of flooding and drying up, creating a dynamic and dramatic environment for wildlife.

To delve deeper into these captivating areas, explore our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Botswana on Safari.

The best time to visit Botswana is in the dry winter season, which is considered peak time for game viewing. The seasons dramatically transform the landscape and influence wildlife behavior, but each presents opportunities, from exceptional birding to witnessing the birthing season.

• Dry Season (June to September): This is the ideal time for a classic Botswana safari. The weather is mild and dry, the vegetation is sparse, and water sources shrink, causing animals to congregate in large numbers around rivers and waterholes, making for spectacular and predictable game viewing.
• Shoulder Season (May and October): May is a wonderful time to visit, offering lush landscapes from the recent rains, but with fewer crowds than the peak season. October is very hot, but game viewing is phenomenal as animals are heavily concentrated around the last remaining water sources.
• Green Season (November to April): After the summer rains, the landscape becomes incredibly lush and green. January to February is the primary birthing season for many species and offers the best birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds arrive in vibrant flocks.

For a more detailed seasonal breakdown, see our guide on the Best Time to Visit Botswana.

A typical safari experience is an immersive journey into the ebb and flow of the wild. Each day is structured to maximize wildlife sightings during the cooler hours when animals are most active. While no two days are ever the same, a typical day blends thrilling activities with luxurious relaxation, all set against the stunning backdrop of the African bush. From exhilarating game drives to serene water excursions, the experience is designed to be as diverse as the landscape itself.

• A Day on Safari: Expect an early pre-dawn wake-up call with coffee, followed by a morning safari activity lasting around three hours. You'll return to your lodge for a hearty brunch or lunch and enjoy downtime during the midday heat before embarking on an afternoon activity that concludes with sundowner drinks in a scenic spot. This is followed by dinner.
• Game Drives: The quintessential safari activity, conducted in open 4x4 vehicles with an expert guide and tracker. This allows you to cover significant ground in search of the Big Five and other iconic wildlife in regions like Chobe and the Kalahari.
• Water Safaris: In the Okavango Delta and along the Chobe River, your experience extends to the water. Glide silently through channels in a traditional dugout canoe for intimate, eye-level encounters with small creatures, or explore larger waterways by motorboat to see hippos, crocodiles, and swimming elephants.
• Walking Safaris: Some lodges, particularly in private concessions, offer guided bush walks. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the environment on a deeper level, learning about tracks, plants, and the smaller details of the ecosystem from an expert guide.
• Guaranteed Sightings: It’s important to remember that a safari is an adventure in the untamed wilderness. While your expert guides will use their skills to find incredible wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed. The thrill is in the search and the surprise of what each day reveals.

To learn more about the variety of safari styles, our 10 Types of African Safaris: Different Ways to Experience Safari offers greater insight.

While you can never guarantee seeing your favorite animal, these are ways to maximize your chances.

• Trust Guides: Rely on the expert knowledge of your guides and trackers, who understand animal territories and recent movements.
• Communicate Preferences: Let your guide know what you are hoping to see so they can tailor the search to your interests where possible.
• Embrace Unpredictability: Understand that wildlife moves freely and sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of the thrill of the safari.
• Choose Reserves: Select specific reserves known for high concentrations of certain animals, such as Chobe for elephants or Linyanti for wild dogs.
• Enjoy Everything: Appreciate every sighting, big or small, as each contributes to the magic of the authentic safari experience.

Embark on a Classic Botswana Safari: Wilderness and Wildlife.

In Botswana, safari accommodations are often referred to as "art galleries in the bush.” They range from stylish, luxury tents to breathtaking architectural lodges in secluded wilderness. The choice between a camp and a lodge often comes down to your preferred style of travel, whether you seek the classic, intimate feel of a tented camp or the more expansive amenities of a permanent lodge.

• Luxury Lodges: These are typically permanent structures, often featuring spacious rooms or chalets with solid walls, air conditioning, private plunge pools, and large communal areas like lounges, libraries, and pools. They offer a high level of comfort and are great for mingling with other guests.
• Tented Camps: Offering an authentic and intimate connection to the bush, these camps feature luxurious canvas tents built on raised wooden platforms. They include en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas, blending the romance of camping with the comforts of a high-end hotel.
• Mobile Safaris: For a truly adventurous experience, a mobile safari involves traveling with a private guide and camp staff, with your luxury camp set up exclusively for you in different private wilderness sites. It offers ultimate seclusion and flexibility.

Discover the perfect fit for your style in our guide to the Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose.

Expect delicious, high-quality cuisine and safe drinking water throughout your luxury Botswana safari.

• Gourmet Meals: Enjoy a variety of chef-prepared dishes, from hearty brunches after your morning drive to multi-course dinners under the stars.
• Dietary Needs: Inform your Zicasso specialist of any dietary requirements or allergies in advance to ensure all meals are expertly catered for.
• Safe Water: Drink with confidence as all lodges and camps provide complimentary bottled or filtered water throughout your stay.
• Beverage Selection: Quench your thirst with a range of included soft drinks, local beers, and often an impressive list of premium South African wines.
• Eco-Friendly Hydration: Receive a reusable water bottle at many properties, a thoughtful souvenir that helps minimize plastic waste in pristine areas.

On a Premier Botswana Safari, you will be introduced to cuisine that includes game meat, morogo, which is a type of spinach, and, if you have the courage, mopane worms.

The official currency is the Botswana pula, but conveniently, the US dollar is widely accepted in all safari areas.

• Official Currency: The local currency is the Botswana pula (P), used for general purchases if you are in towns like Maun or Kasane.
• Tourist Currency: US dollars are the preferred currency for tipping and settling any final bills at most safari lodges and camps.
• Credit Cards: Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at nearly all properties for extra purchases or final payments.
• Bring Cash: Carry a supply of small-denomination US dollar bills for tips and small souvenir purchases, as obtaining change can be difficult.
• Currency Exchange: Should you require pula, exchange bureaus and major banks are available in cities, but this is generally not necessary for a fly-in safari.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Fly-In Okavango Delta and Desert Safari.

Tipping is a customary and appreciated gesture to acknowledge the excellent service from your safari team.

• General Guideline: Plan for approximately $15 per person per day for your guide and $10 per person per day for a dedicated tracker.
• Lodge Staff: A central tipping box is usually available for communal staff (chefs, housekeeping, waiters), with a suggested contribution of $10 to $15 per person per day.
• Cash Preferred: It is best to tip in cash using US dollars, which is the preferred currency for gratuities.
• Specialist Advice: Your Zicasso safari specialist will provide detailed tipping guidelines based on your specific itinerary before you travel.
• Always Discretionary: Remember, tipping is not mandatory and should always be a reflection of your satisfaction with the service you received.

Charging your essential devices is straightforward, though power can be managed differently in remote bush camps.

• Standard Voltage: Botswana operates on a 240V supply with a frequency of 50Hz, compatible with most modern electronic devices.
• Plug Type: The country primarily uses the three-pronged, round-pin Type M plug, so bringing a universal travel adapter is essential.
• Charging Devices: Laptops, cameras, and cellphones typically have dual-voltage chargers (110-240V) and can be plugged in directly with an adapter.
• Generator Hours: Be aware that many remote camps run on generators that are switched off overnight to conserve energy and maintain silence.
• Leave Behind: Avoid packing high-wattage items like hair dryers or flat irons, as these often exceed the camp's power capacity.

You will begin your safari in one of two main hubs that serve as gateways to the country's prime wilderness areas.

• Safari Hubs: Maun Airport (MUB) is the southern hub for the Okavango Delta, while Kasane Airport (BBK) serves the northern Chobe region.
• International Connections: Most travelers connect through major Southern African airports like Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) in South Africa.
• Light Aircraft: From the main hubs, you will transfer to small light aircraft for scenic flights to the remote airstrips of your lodge or camp.
• Victoria Falls: The nearby Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe is a popular and convenient entry or exit point for multi-country itineraries.
• Luggage Limits: Be aware of the strict luggage restrictions, typically 33 pounds per person, in soft-sided bags for all light aircraft flights.

Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest, most stable, and most advanced countries for travelers.

• Political Stability: The country has a long history of democratic governance and is considered a first-world standard nation in Africa.
• Camp Security: Safari lodges and camps are located in remote, secure wilderness areas, far from urban centers.
• Listen Closely: Always adhere to the safety briefings and guidelines provided by your expert guides and lodge staff, especially regarding wildlife.
• Urban Awareness: When in larger towns or cities, exercise the same standard security practices you would in any urban area worldwide.
• Health and Safety: Your well-being is the top priority, with highly trained staff, reliable communication systems, and established safety protocols at all properties.

With sensible precautions and advance preparation, you can ensure a healthy and comfortable safari adventure.

• Malaria Prophylaxis: Botswana is a malaria area and although risk is lower in the dry season, consulting your doctor about a suitable prophylactic is highly recommended.
• Consult Doctor: Visit your personal physician or a travel clinic four to six weeks before your trip for personalized advice on vaccinations and health needs.
• Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for entry into Botswana unless you are arriving from a country with a known risk.
• Safe Water: All drinking water provided at lodges and camps is either bottled or filtered to international standards and is perfectly safe.
• Medical Kits: All safari properties and vehicles are equipped with first-aid kits, and robust medical evacuation procedures are in place for emergencies.

Pack light and be practical, focusing on soft-sided luggage to comply with light aircraft restrictions.

• Soft-Sided Bags: A soft duffel bag is mandatory for all light aircraft flights, as rigid suitcases cannot be loaded.
• Weight Limit: Adhere strictly to the luggage limit, which is typically 33 pounds per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment.
• Neutral Colors: Pack lightweight clothing in neutral, earthy tones like khaki, beige, and olive green to blend in with the bush.
• Layering System: Bring layers, including a warm fleece or jacket for cold early mornings and evenings, especially during the winter months from June to August.
• Key Essentials: Do not forget sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and, of course, your camera and binoculars.

Absolutely. Botswana is an exceptional destination for families, offering a splendid mix of educational experiences, inspiring wildlife, and fun-filled activities that cater to all ages. While the thrill of seeing elephants and lions is universal, Botswana’s family-friendly offerings extend far beyond a typical game drive, creating a living classroom and an unforgettable playground for every member of your family.

• Culinary Delights: Children and adults will enjoy delicious meals prepared by master chefs. Dietary requirements are always catered to and many lodges offer kid-friendly menus and fun experiences like baking cookies with the chef.
• Engaging, Hands-On Activities: Many family-oriented lodges offer dedicated "Young Explorers" programs. These include guided mini-bush walks to learn about tracks and insects, creating animal sighting journals and learning basic survival skills, all led by specially trained guides.
• Diverse Regional Offerings: The variety of landscapes keeps children engaged. They can experience the excitement of a boat safari on the Chobe River, the unique tranquility of a mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta, or the vastness of the Makgadikgadi salt pans.
• Tailored Itineraries for Seamless Family Travel: With Zicasso, your family safari is carefully orchestrated to be stress-free. Our specialists select child-friendly lodges with family rooms or villas, manage pacing to prevent fatigue, and incorporate age-appropriate activities to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

To begin envisioning your perfect multi-generational adventure, explore our inspiring Botswana family safaris and tours.

Botswana's serene wilderness, luxurious accommodations, and relaxed pace make it an exceptionally suitable destination for senior travelers. The ability to travel comfortably, with readily available support from attentive staff, ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the country's spectacular beauty without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

• Leisurely Exploration: A Botswana safari encourages a relaxed pace. Days are structured with ample downtime, allowing you to fully appreciate the tranquility of the bush, enjoy the lodge amenities, and savor each wildlife sighting without a strict schedule.
• Comfortable Travel: While some light aircraft flights are necessary to connect remote regions, your Zicasso specialist can design an itinerary that minimizes travel time and combines flights with comfortable road transfers to ensure a seamless journey.
• Accessibility and Support: Lodges and camps are designed for comfort. Staff are on hand to assist with luggage and any specific needs, and many properties offer rooms with easy access. Your specialist will ensure all your medical or mobility requirements are communicated in advance.
• Personalized Trip Design: A trip planned with a Zicasso specialist is meticulously designed around your individual pace and preferences. This ensures maximum comfort and allows you to enjoy the rewards of a Botswana safari, from breathtaking sunsets to incredible wildlife encounters.

See our Botswana safaris for seniors to find out more about what you can expect on your luxury journey in this glorious country.

Botswana is the quintessential dream safari destination for couples and honeymooners, boasting romance, adventure, and intimate charm. Its allure lies in the fusion of secluded luxury lodges, breathtaking landscapes, and a captivating sense of being alone together in one of the world's last true wildernesses. Zicasso specializes in crafting bespoke itineraries designed to ignite passion and create unforgettable moments.

• Romantic Settings: The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most romantic destinations. Enjoy private dinners under the stars, breathtaking sunsets over the floodplains, and intimate lodges set amongst stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife.
• Gourmet Cuisine for Two: Indulge in exquisite meals prepared by talented chefs, often served in private, secluded locations. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on your veranda, a picnic lunch on a remote island, or cocktails around a crackling campfire.
• Intimate Waterways: Glide silently through the delta's channels on a private mokoro ride for two, an incredibly peaceful and romantic experience. Private boat cruises on the Chobe River offer spectacular sunsets and unparalleled wildlife viewing.
• Exclusive Experiences Designed for Love: Zicasso tailors experiences specifically for couples. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the delta, indulge in a couple's spa treatment overlooking the savanna, or simply relax in your private plunge pool with a glass of champagne.

Begin crafting your perfect romantic getaway by exploring our Magical Botswana Safari Escape for Couples.

Embarking on a trip to Botswana with Zicasso will transform your aspirations into a meticulously crafted reality. Our approach to travel planning is entirely personalized, designed to distill your unique preferences and dreams into a bespoke itinerary. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final, unforgettable moment of your journey, Zicasso is dedicated to curating a Botswana experience that transcends expectations.

For more information, take a look at our Botswana safaris tours and vacations or Botswana safari guide.